For 15 years, 17TRACK has connected the world through global shipment tracking. As we enter the new "Era of Authorization," the rules are changing. Gain the insight you need to stay prepared. 17TRACK is here to help you navigate this transition smoothly and bridge the gap to a more compliant future. What's Changing From "Open Queries" to "Authorized Access" Historically, USPS tracking was an open-access utility requiring only a tracking number. Starting April 1, 2026, all queries must be tied to verified shipping relationships. A fundamental shift — from "Open by default" to "Authorized access." Query with just a tracking number — No identity check, No restrictions. Queries must map to verified shipments tied to a real sender identity. No link between query and shipment required — Anyone could look up anything. Source of each query must be traceable to an authorized Mailer ID. No distinction between usage types — Bulk scrapers treated like merchants. Unverified queries will be throttled, charged, or blocked entirely. The Essence of the Change The new regulations are not designed to create hurdles, but to build a fairer and healthier tracking access ecosystem. Mailer ID Required Every tracking query must be linked to a valid USPS Mailer ID (MID). This ties queries to verified sender identities and eliminates anonymous lookups. Authorization Mandatory A formal authorization mechanism becomes a prerequisite for USPS tracking access. Unauthorized access will face immediate restrictions. Off-Chain Queries Limited Queries that can't be traced back to a legitimate shipment chain will be throttled, charged, or subject to risk controls. High-frequency anonymous queries will be blocked. User Classification How USPS classifies tracking users Based on compliance and identity traceability, USPS now segments all tracking behavior into three tiers with differentiated access levels. In-Chain Compliant Merchants · Platforms · ERP Uses own MID authorization Or holds delegated MID access Queries linked to real shipments

Authorized Third-Party SaaS · Tracking Providers Requires delegated MID auth Compliant but rate-limited Volume subject to monitoring Off-Chain Queries Public lookup · Arbitrary IDs No MID association Query source untraceable High-frequency or anomalous How 17TRACK Responds 17TRACK Solutions As a world-leading logistics tracking platform, 17TRACK has upgraded its infrastructure to align with the new USPS requirements — so your experience stays fast, stable, and fully compliant. Authorization-First Integrate MID establish a verified compliance identity Build Authorization Chains Ensure Query Traceability Tiered Query Management Authorized Traffic: Priority assurance for maximum stability Non-Authorized Traffic: Controlled access and paid models Intelligent Scheduling: Optimizing resources to safeguard mission-critical queries Risk Control & Governance Anomaly Detection IP Restrictions & Traffic Management End-to-End Compliance Framework Unsure? We recommend an early assessment. If you cannot confirm the above, please evaluate your current tracking methods immediately. Once the new rules take effect, unauthorized queries will be phased out or restricted.